Inflation will fall to single digit by next fiscal year
The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tarin on Monday said that Pakistan will no more be a poor state in next few years. Addressing the BMA Fund Forum here, Tarin said the government has taken many initiatives for the revival of the countrys economy. "We are doing our best on the economic front and the situation has started improving," he added more... (BR)

No cut in defence spending in next budget: Tarin The federal government has no plans to cut defence spending in the next budget due to mounting tension on the countrys eastern and western borders. However, four major sectors, including the stock exchanges and agriculture, may be brought in the tax net in the next two years more... (BR)

Government plans 4pc GDP growth rate by FY10Advisor for consolidation of tax base
The government plans to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to achieve GDP growth rate of 6-8 per cent in the next three years, where intentions are to expand it at least by 4 per cent in fiscal year 2009-10 and 5 per cent in the year after, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tareen said on Monday more... (FD)

Army prepared to meet emerging threats: Kayani
General Kayani highlighted the critical importance of national unity to overcome challenges facing the nation more... (D)

War on terror cannot be won through drone attacks: Zardari tells US officials
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday asked the US to stop drone attacks and understand Pakistans problems it has been facing for being front line ally on war against terrorism. The President was talking to the visiting US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen who called on him after their arrival in Islamabad from Afghanistan more... (BR)

ISI has contacts with extremists: Gates
‘The ISI’s contacts with the Hekmatyar, Haqqani and the Nazir groups are a real concern for the US.’ more... (D)

Decision on phasing out CFS Mk-II in a day or two: SECP
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is likely to announce its decision regarding phasing out existing CFS Mk-II and to introduce new products in one or two days. The SECP has almost reviewed the recommendations sent by the CFS Mk-II Review Committee and any decision in this regard is expected to be announced in one or two days, Acting Chairman SECP, Salman A Shaikh told Business Recorder on Monday more... (BR)

Import of gas from Iran may also be okayed
The Cabinet is likely to approve import of 500-750 mmcfd gas from Iran at the rate of 80 percent of crude oil price, in its meeting scheduled for Wednesday (April 8). Sources told Business Recorder that the Petroleum Ministry will move a summary to the Cabinet to approve 500-750 mmcfd gas from Iran at the rate of 80 percent of crude oil price more... (BR)

Seven firms show interest in Jamshoro Power Co
The Privatization Commission has received expressions of interest (EoIs) from local and foreign investors for 15 years lease of Jamshoro Power Company more... (D)

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